newyork.localmean.com/prewar
Prewar
PREE-wor
Local meaning
In New York real estate, a building constructed before World War II, often discussed through its age, layout, materials, and architectural details.
Prewar can suggest high ceilings, thick walls, plaster details, smaller elevators, or older floor plans, but none of those features is guaranteed. Listings use the label as a broad era marker.
Example in context
- “They wanted a prewar apartment with original moldings.”
How it is used
Standard historical wording with a particularly established meaning in New York property conversation.
neutral, real-estate specific
housing listings, renovation, architecture
Standard historical wording with a particularly established meaning in New York property conversation.
Prewar does not automatically mean luxurious, quiet, renovated, or well maintained; inspect the actual building.
Spelling and scope
Standard historical wording with a particularly established meaning in New York property conversation.
- Search forms
prewar apartment nycpre-war building meaningnew york prewar
LocalMean keeps common search spellings discoverable without claiming that every borough, community, or generation uses one written form.
Frequently asked questions
Which war does prewar mean in New York real estate?
It generally means before World War II.
Does prewar guarantee original details?
No. Buildings and apartments may have been heavily renovated or altered.
Read next
All words →Evidence and further reading
These sources support the regional association, dictionary sense, or broader spread. The entry remains open to correction from New York speakers and qualified reviewers.
- prewarMerriam-Webster
Dictionary definition and real-estate example of prewar buildings.